Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21056, Abner Ely, Conn. Conn. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Ely, Abner
W. 21056
Conn. Sea Service
Bridget
CONTENTS
This widow's first husband, Lemilius Brockway, died in service.

Dead.
Let. to Morrison R. Waite,
April 16, 1838.
do. to J.C.M. Prockaway Oct. 16.
1838 - do. June 9. 1838 to Hon.
S. Inglish H.R. - do to
Same Aug 30. 1839.
to C.J. McCloudy Feb 20:41
bin: to J. Phelps July 21/51.
Same Nov 18/51
Cornwall 1815
Briget Fly
widow of John Fly decd.
who died on the 2 d January 1815
of New London in the State of Ct
who was a Cap. En. G d in the Company commanded
by Captain Gales of the Regt. commanded
by _____ in the Ct
time for 21 days Capt.
8 " 5 days Ensign
10 " 4 " " Sgt
3 days Private
Inscribed on the Roll of _____ at the rate of 148 Dollars 16 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of Feb. 1838 and sent to Hon. S. Inglish H.R. of Steps
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 $961. 04 Semi-annual allowance ending Feb 1838 - 72. 08
$1033.12
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d . }
Wrded by Will Addison Clerk, Vol. 2 Page 67

117 State of Connecticut. New London County ss 3rd Lyne
On this 29 th day of September, 1837, personally appeared, before the Court of Probate for the District of Lyne, Bridget Ely, a resident of said Lyne in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 80 years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 1836:
That she is the Widow of Abner Ely, who was a sergeant in the Revolutionary Army at Roxbury in 1775. This service she is led to believe by the testimony of Israel Grosfield, and by a reference to the Rolls in the Office of the Comptroller of the State, at Hartford, was in Capt Samuel Dole's Company, commencing on the 8 th day of May 1775, and ending on the 9 th of December following a period of 7 months and 11 days. Her first husband, Jeremiah Pocknett, was there at the same time, and after a few months service, was disabled with the small-pox and died. Mr. Ely attended upon him at the time of his last sickness and death.
That after the expiration of that service, he returned home, and remained with his father who was a near neighbor to her, until the next fall, when at the time from the testimony of Abner Ely the he went with the militia from this part of the country to the White Plains. Of that service she knows nothing particularly herself, except that he went from home into the service in the fall. According to the testimony of Abner Mitchell however, the it must have commenced somewhere near the 9 th of December and September 1776 and continued until the about the 13 th of December following a period of three months.

11 State of Connecticut New London County ss
On this 29 th day of September 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Lyme, Bridget Ely a resident of said town in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 80 years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed Feb y 1836:
That she is the Widow of Abner Ely who was a sergeant in the Revolutionary Army at Roxbury in 1775. This service she is led to believe by the testimony of General Greenfield, and by a reference to the Rolls in the Office of the Comptroller of the State, at Hartford, was in Capt. Samuel Dyer's Company, commencing on the 8 th day of May 1775, and ending on the 2 nd of December following a period of 7 months and 11 days. Her first husband, Jeremiah Pissack, was there at the same time and after a few months service, was disabled with the small-pox and died. Mr. Ely attended upon him at the time of his last sickness and death.
That after the expiration of this service, he returned home, and remained with his father who made a near neighbor to her, until the next fall, when as she thinks from the testimony of Capt. Dyer, he went with the militia from this part of the country to the White Plains. Of this service she knows nothing particularly herself, except that he went from home into the service in the fall. According to the testimony of Capt. Dyer, this service must have commenced somewhere near the 9 th of September 1776 and continued until the about the 23 rd of December following a period of three months.

That on or about the 1 st of January 1777 he enlisted into Capt. Sibley's Company, and Col. Douglass Regiment of Continental troops with the Commission of Ensign. In this service she supposed he must have continued eight months, as he always when speaking of his enlistment during the War that he served in the whole 18 months or so before their marriage. On his return home he brought with him an officers Uniform - Leather Cap - Sword - and Spauldets. together with a powder horn, which last is now in possession of the family, having on it the following inscription viz: "This Horn belongs to Abner Ely an Ensign in Captain Sibley's Company in Col. Douglass Regiment. My Liberty I'll have or another May 26 th 1777". He used often to speak of his service in Capt. Ely's Company, and say that he held an Ensign's Commission in it, but performed the duty of Lieutenant. He was also obliged before the end of his last term of enlistment (which as the Company was raised for three years she supposed must have been for that term) to obtain a dis- charge, and return home on account of a severe attack of the griping, a disease which afterwards troubled him very frequently. In this last service, or the one before at the White Plains, he received a slight wound in his thigh. He used often to speak of being at New Point and relate his adventures in taking cattle and horses from the Tories. This Company she believes from the reference to the Book of Hartford must have been raised about the 1 st of January 1777, and as Mr. Ely was at home but once, and that a very short time, after he returned from New Point in the fall of 1778 his service until after his return sick, she supposed he must have enlisted when it was first raised. She knows of no one now living who met with him in this service and has only been able to find one person, Mr. Turner who knew that he was there.

That after this last tour of duty, he remained at home un- til sometime after his marriage, when he received a Captain's Commis- sion from Governor Pomball, to take command of a Row-Party in Long Island Sound. This Commission has been in the family possession of the until within a few years, but being confident of its consequence it has by some means been lost. Under its powers he was entitled to raise Long Island Sound and watch for smugglers and stragglers from the British Army then on Long Island. This duty occupied him nearly all the time after he received the Commission, which as she thinks must have been in the spring of 1781 until the end of the War or until the British left Long Island. During the service he used to be at home frequently but never staid any great length of time, except in the winter when he was prevented from crossing entirely on account of the ice. He had as many as twelve men under him who were entirely at his command as much as if he had been stationed on the shore. She recollects of his having often brought home prisoners, and at one time in particular some soldiers dressed in uniforms (which were carried to Hartford at the time too he himself wore a uniform. In this service he and she has no hesitation in saying that he was in actual employment for six months.
That in the year 1781 when New London was burnt the militia was all called out on the alarm and that Mr. H. went with them. But whether in what capacity he served or to what Company he belonged, she is now unable to state. But that he was there as a soldier, and served until the militia came home which was during ten or fifteen days, she is very positive. He was among the very first to go when the alarm was given.
This service and the one in the Row-Party were both of them subsequent to her marriage. —

She therefore claimed to be entitled to a pension for the service of her husband, first as a sergeant at Roxbury in 1775 for 7 months and 20 days. Second as a sergeant at Roxbury for 8 months. Third as an ensign in Captain Elisha Ely's Company for 8 months. Fourth as a captain of a New Battery or Artillery Post on Long Island for 6 months and Fifth at New Sweden for during the Alarm for three days.
She further declared that she was married to the said Abner Ely in the month of February 1779: that her husband the aforesaid Abner Ely died at home on the second day of January 1805: and that she has remained a widow ever since that time as will more fully appear by the proofs hereto annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Bridget Ely Before - Goddowick Bill Ledge

Know all men by these presents that we Abner S. Ely - Similias B. Ely. and Sally M. Ely all of Lyme, in the County of New London & State of Connecticut, being the only children, heirs at law, & legal representatives of Abner Ely, & Bridget Ely, his wife both late of said Lyme, & now deceased, do hereby jointly and severally ordain, constitute, and appoint James Phelps of Saybrook, in the County of Middlesex & State aforesaid, our and each of our true & lawful Agent and Attorney for us, and each of us, and in our and each of our names & behalf to apply for and procure any pension, or arrears of pension, or payment of any claim that may have accrued in consequence of the service in the Revolutionary War of the said Abner Ely, or the right which may have accrued in any way to the said Bridget Ely, widow of the said Abner, to draw a pension in consequence of such service by her said husband. - And we do hereby each of us fully authorize & empower our said Agent & Attorney to do every thing proper & necessary to be done for the purpose aforesaid, and do agree to ratify & confirm what he may lawfully do in the premises. - In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals this 3 rd day of August 1851. -
Abner S. Ely Similias B. Ely Sally M. Ely Frances E. Ely } Witness
Abner S. Ely Similias B. Ely Sally M. Ely
State of Connecticut. County of New London  Middlesex . ss. Lyme  Saybrook Aug. 3 rd 1851. -
Then personally appeared the above named Abner S. Ely, Similias B. Ely, & Sally M. Ely, signers & sealers of the foregoing & acknowledged the same to be their free act & deed before me
J. Griffin Ely. Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut ss: County of New London
I James Steadman, Clerk of the County Court within and for said County of New London do hereby certify that J. Griffin Esq., whose name is subscribed to the certificate of Acknowledgment on the other side hereof written, was, at the date of said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of New London aforesaid, duly empowered to take acknowledgment of Deeds & other instruments in writing; and I believe the said signature "J. Griffin Esq. Justice of the Peace," is in the proper hand writing of the said J. Griffin Esq. - And I further certify that the within instrument is acknowledged, and in all respects executed, according to the laws of this State.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County Court this 23 rd day of August AD 1857.  James Steadman Clerk

I Bridget Ely of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut being now 80 years of age do hereby depose and say that I am the widow of the late Mr. Ebenezer Ely deceased and that the family record heretofore forwarded to the Pension Office is the record of our children kept in his own hand writing. My name before marriage to my first husband was Bridget Brockway and many of the children were named after my own family connections. Only the given names appear to be recorded, as referred  except in one instance by reference to a copy of the record preserved by myself. One of the daughters was named after myself. The second son was named after my father and the youngest son after my first husband. This accounts for the fact that the name of Brockway appears so often on the record.
Bridget Ely
State of Connecticut New London County ss Lyme Feb 12 th 1838
Personally appeared Bridget Ely the subscriber of the foregoing deposition and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Bridget Ely and that she is a credible witness —
Isaac Pillsbury Justice of Peace

I certify that the foregoing bill before whom the within deposition of Bryant El was taken is a true of the Peace in and for the County of New London in the State of Connecticut - That the signature to the certifi- cate is in his own handwriting - and that he held the said office at the time of signing said certificate
Washington Feb. 16 th 1838 -
Samuel G. Nourse M.C.
Wm. D. Hughes H.R.

Ann
our daughter Briget Brockway Ely 1780 and Isabella was born the 6 day of January at two a clock in the morning in the year 1780
our son Ezra Brockway was born the tenth day of November in the year 1781
our daughter Jane Lord was born the 26 day of July AD 1783
our son Calvin was born the 29 day of October in year 1785
and died May the 3 in the year 1787
our son Sheldon was born the 20 day of December in the year 1789
our daughter Salla Maria Ely was born the 29 day of May AD 1795
our daughter Abigail was born the 13 day of AD 1795
Abigail
1795
1816
1795
1795
27

I Abner S. Ely of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield State and State of Connecticut on oath before me say that I am a son of Abner Ely formerly of Litchfield deceased and that the within is the only record of births in his family. It was in his possession until his death when with the other papers it came into my hands. Abner S. Ely
State of Connecticut } ss } At Litchfield December 27 th 1834 New London County }
Personally appeared Abner S. Ely the signer of the foregoing deposition and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Abner S. Ely is personally known to me and that he is a credible person.
Isaac D. Bill Justice of Peace

Ans Rev. War Section.
AW Sept. 29, 1923.
Mrs. M. H. Brownlee, 917 Phelan Building, San Francisco, Calif.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 26 th ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the pension claim, W. 21056, it appears that Abner Ely of Lyme, Conn. served from May 8, 1775, to Dec. 9, 1775, as Sergeant, in Capt. Samuel Gales' Company, Col. Samuel H. Parsons' Regt. He served from Sept. 9, 1776, to Dec. 13, 1776, as Sergeant, in the militia, officers not named, at White Plains, and while on a scouting party, was wounded in the thigh. From Jan. 1, 1777, he served as Ensign for eight months, in Capt. Elisha Ely's Company, Col. Douglass' Regiment. From the spring of 1781, he served for six months as Captain of a Row Galley on Long Island Sound. And when New London was burned in 1781, he served with the militia for three days.
He married in February 1779, Bridget the widow of Semilius, or Similleus Brockway, a soldier who had died of small-pox, at Roxbury, in 1775.

Abner Ely died Jan. 2, 1805, at Lyme, Conn. and his widow Bridget was allowed pension on account of his services, on her application executed Sept. 29, 1837, while living at Lyme, Conn. aged 80 years. She died Mar. 2, 1838.
They had the following children:
Bridget Brockway Ely, born Jan. 6, 1780. Arabella " " Jan. 6, 1780. Ezra Brockway " " Nov. 10, 1781. Jane Lord " " July 26, 1783. Calvin " " Oct. 29, 1785, died May 3, 1787. Sheldon " " Nov. 20, 1789. Sally Maria " " May 29, 1891. Similleus Brackway " " June 13, 1795. Abner S. " " date not stated.
Very respectfully,
Chief Clerk.

I Doreas Eh. of Lyme, in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut, on oath depose and say, that I am now 66 years of age, and am the daughter of Lemuel & Bridget Brockway. My father at the time of the news of the battle of Lexington, volunteered to go tobury, where after a few months service, he was seized with the small-pox and died. In the month of February, and I should think the first week of the month of 1779, my mother was again married to Abner Eh. of said Lyme, with whom she lived until the time of his death, which took place on the second of May 1805. I was present at the wedding, and although at that time only 8 years old, recollect the fact very distinctly. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. George Beckwith. My mother has never been married since the death of her second husband.
Before Mr Eh's marriage to my mother, the family had always been near neighbors, and I recollect distinctly of his having been absent in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War. Whilst on one of these services, I have heard him say that in a battle he received a wound in his thigh. He brought home with him after his last service in the army before the marriage, an officer's uniform and sword which remained in the possession of the family for many years. He also brought a powder horn with him, on which was carved his name as Ensign in Capt. Elisha Eh.'s Company, in a Col. Douglass Regiment near 1777. Although I do not recollect distinctly of seeing these articles, brought home, yet he always said that such was the fact, and no one ever doubted it. The powder horn is still in the possession of the family.
A year or two after his marriage he received a commission from Governor Trumbull, then the Governor of this State, as Captain of a Row Gally, under which he was to cruise Long Island Sound, and pick up smugglers and victuallers of the British Army then on Long Island. When he had this commission my Grandfather kept a tavern, and one Saturday night, Mr. Eh brought to his house a boat with ten men as prisoners which I think he had taken on Long Island that he had taken in the Sound. Suffer was set for them, and I think a court was held to try them, but of this last fact I am not

position. What ever became of them afterwards I do not now recollect. At what time he received this commission I am not now able to say but should think it was during the spring of 1781. I should think that he served in the summer from the fact that a gun was accidentally fired by one of his men which cut off a stalk of corn near where I was standing. He was at home but a small part of the time while engaged in this service, and gave up the management of his farming business to his men and boys. My impression now is that he served on this duty more than one summer. The commission had been in the possession of the family until very lately, and I have often seen it - but do not recollect either its date or object its form.
I am very certain that he went to New London at the time it was burnt in 1781. I know that he was absent from home on that day and recollect the anxious feelings we had on his account. The guns were distinctly heard at the house where we lived. In what capacity he served there I am not able to say. but am very positive he was there in the service of the United States  at the time of the battle of Groton
He was a very active man in the war and more or less engaged in the service during that whole time period.
Dorcas Ely
New London County } ss State of Connecticut } ss At Lyme December 27 th 1837
Personally appeared Dorcas Ely the subscriber of the foregoing affidavit and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Dorcas Ely is personally known to me and that she is a credible witness.
Power-Williams Bill Justice of Peace Locksmith Bill at an inquest, was at all times within the last two years a Justice of Peace in & for the County of New London aforesaid Dec. 29. 1837 S. Wetmore

917 Phelan Bldg., San Francisco, Calif. August 26, 1922
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly advise me if the records of your office show mention of one ABNER ELY , of Lyme , Conn., who served in the Revolutionary War as an Ensign in the Sixth Connecticut Regiment . He was commissioned January 1, 1777, discharged May 4, 1778.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Milne H. Brownlee
Mrs. Milne H. Brownlee

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
No. 21056
Bridget Ely widow of Abner Ely Capt Rev War
Act: July 4th 86
Box: Vol. 18 Page 215
[Arrangement of 1870.]
11/21 Sept. 29. Heir. to Mrs. M. H. Brownlee

The accounts of the Pension Agent at Hartford Ct, for the 1 st quarter of 1838 have been received, but they don't show any payment to Bridge in the case of Bridget Ely etc

✓ Bridget Ely ✓ wife of Alna du Cont. One lit. Acc G Ingraham Oct 16. 1837 same Jan. 5. 1838 do do Feb 3 1838
Ad 4 July 1838
40.196 80.84 96.888

Essex Conn
September 1. 1851
Hon James E. Heath
Herewith I send you my Power of Attorney. Constituting me fully & in all respects authorized to act in the matter of Abner D. Ely & others for arrears of, or additional Pension for Revolutionary service. Concerning which you have my former communication of a former date - Hoping the close of the matter may be arrived at, as soon as the business of your Office will permit,
I am Respectfully &c James Phelps

here
Rev. Joseph Kirtland
Official Business }
April 29/37 Rev. to John of Bridgetown to and from John Heath Joseph Casey James Commissioner of Penobscot Washington City D.C.

Essex Conn. April 24 th 1851-
Hon James E. Heath
Dear Sir
Abner Ely of the Town of Lyme & County of New London, in this State was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, but whether in the Continental, or State, line I do not know. He served for a part & perhaps the whole time he was in the Army as an Ensign, but the name of the Regt. & Company, nor the length of service am I able to say. He died after the war, & his Widow Bridget Ely drew a Pension under the Act of 1831, as I understand at the rate of $148.16 per annum.
The Pension was obtained Feb. 28 th 1838, & the Widow died the 2 nd day of March following having drawn arrears down to that time. It is said that $80. a year more, should have been granted than was actually drawn & that there is an existing error of that kind. If so, the heirs at law, that is, the children of Abner Ely & Bridget Ely wish to know the fact & of course to avail themselves, of the benefit of it.
It has been said to me that Elisha Ely was the name of the Capt. under which Abner Ely served, but this may not be so. Also said that Abner Ely for some time commanded a Whale Boat in the service of the U. States.
It appears from the Rolls of the Conn. State Troops who served in the War of the Revolution, that from the 8 th of May to the 19 th

of Dec. 1775. Abner Ely was a Sergeant in the 8 th Co. 6 th Reg t . Samuel Lyde. Capt. making a period of 7 months & 11 days service in that capacity - & possibly this may be the service for which he or his heirs, are now entitled -
A man professing to be engaged in the business of obtaining pensions has been to the heirs of Mr & Mrs Ely & stated to them that they were entitled to & could get the additional $80. per annum from the Government under the Act of 1831 or some other act - The man represented himself as one of the firm of D.L. & S.A. Peugh of Washington -
Do you know anything of the matter, & does it appear from the papers in your Office that the above statement is true - Is it necessary for you to have the names of the Company & Reg t & the precise term of service to enable you to judge? -
If there are proper inquiries I should be very glad to hear from you on the subject of the claim -
Very Respectfully &c James Phelps

Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut January 20th 1838
On application I have examined the Books and papers in this office relating to revolutionary services, to prove the service of Abner Ely as Captain of a Row gally in Long Island Sound, but have not been able to find any evidence of such service.
I further certify that there is no journal of the proceedings of the council of safety between the 9th of Feb y & the 5th of April 1731. remaining in this office, Wm Field Comptroller

James
North
J. L. Edwards
Counr. of
Pensions.
Thos. S. Hughes AK

Woolston
June 6th. 1838.
Sir
Since I saw you this morning and mentioned to you the decision some time since made by you excluding the child of Mrs. Bridget Ely, by her first husband, from any portion of her pension, Milly being now dead, it has occurred to me, that even if you were to alter your opinion, the remedy would not be within your power to apply in as much as the whole amount of her pension has been paid to the children of the 2 nd husband. I suppose you could not recall the money. You could not compel them to pay any part to her, i.e. to the first child, nor would you, or could you order her paid out of the public funds. If I am right in this, it would be useless for me to address you any further upon the subject. I wish you would inform me whether I am right or not.
I have examined the Statute, and begin to say that it seems to me you did not hasten upon the subject the full consideration which you usually do. The Statute gives no rule of distribution. From the day the pension was granted it became the personal , legal right of Mrs. Ely to all intents & purposes. However, a discussion of this point is useless unless you have the power of making the correction in case you should think it ought to be made.
With great respect
Your Ob Serv t
Samuel Hughes
Worble
J. P. Danvers
see over -

I would be glad to be informed, how the money was paid - whether upon a power of Attorney, executed by the heirs of Mrs. Ely by Mrs. R. Newbend, or whether it was paid to you, as a business matter. I suppose the off. papers are all returned to this place by you, making them in your power to give me the information.

Aug 24.
Mr. A.D. 5 trap, Aug 24
Mobile - I. S. Edwards
Mr Aug 19 th
Mr. A.D.
1875-36-
Comm ee of Pensions
Washington
1875

Saybrook Aug-17. 1839-
Dear Sir
I wish you would be so good as to send me a copy of the application and proof of the Bridget City of Sym Com t for a Pension. Also a copy of the Certificate which was granted her about the 28 Feb. 1838. I wish it all forwarded together as you require pension papers to be fastened, and then properly certified, as I want to use it in Windham. The Court sets in about 2 weeks when I shall need it. I beg you therefore to have the copies forwarded to me as soon as convenient. Please note you fees & I will remit the money —
With great respect
Your Ob- Serv t
Samuel Ingham
Traveller
J. S. Edwards
h h h —

Bridgett Brockway. Widow of M c Aln Ely in 1779, (ans) claim for his services, who died 1805
 1. as follows. viz 75. 7 mo 11 days. Sarg.  2. Sept. 76 3 " ————— white plain  3. Jan'y 77 8. 5 Em. gr Capt Elisha Ely, p C o Col. Douglass  4. " 81 6. Capt Row Gally.  2. ————— 81 3 d. 
1 Comp d cert.
2 Hoel Huntly. Bd C.O.P. Oct 76 was wounded
3 Roll. Pseud. No. 20. M o 4. 8 mo 5 d.
4 Heathick.
4 Alna G Ely. how old
4 In Brockway
#. Mrs Andrew. Feb. 1779 Aged 66 Dorcas Ely aged 66 ————— dau
4. " ————— Where are Mr Ely's eldest children to wit. Bridgett, Ezra and Jane.

I Gordon Ely of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being now 77 years of age on oath depose and say that in the year Cornwallis was taken I was attached to a Boat commanded by Capt. Abner Ely of Lyme and cruised Long Island Sound to protect the adjoining Coast. We were out together only on one cruise which lasted for three weeks. Capt. Ely had command of the boat at other times Rowed and went out on other cruises to my knowledge as I lived a near neighbor to him during all the War and afterwards until his death. I cannot say how long he was out nor on how many cruises he went but of the fact of his having command of her and being out at a number of different times I am quite certain. The Commission under which he acted was as I understood from Governor Dinnick. These cruises were after his marriage to Bridget Brockway. I did not attend their wedding but the matter was one of common notoriety.
I know of Mr Ely's being having been absent before at the commencement of the War in the service of the United States but cannot state anything very positively in relation to it. Gordon Ely
State of Connecticut, Middlesex County, ss East Haddam Nov 5 th 1837
Personally appeared Gordon Ely the subscriber of the foregoing deposition and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Gordon Ely is personally known to me and that he is a credible witness.
The above named John Holmes John Holmes Justice of the Peace has at all times within the two years last past, been residing in the County of Middlesex Jan 29. 1837

I Morrison G. Waite of Gyns in the County of New London and State of Connecticut on oath before me say that at the request of Mrs. Bridget Ely I went to Hartford for the purpose of examining the records & papers in the offices of the Comptroller & Secretary of State in order if possible to procure evidence of the services of her husband in the Revolutionary War. The documents were all in a very confused state and many of them as I understood from the Comptroller had been forwarded to the pension office at Washington. I spent the most of two days however in looking over what was there and with the assis- tance of the officers there was able to find nothing more than was forwarded with the application.
Morrison G. Waite
State of Connecticut New London County ss
As I have December 27 th 1837
Personally appeared Morrison G. Waite the signer of the fore- going deposition and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Morrison G. Waite is per- sonally known to me and that he is a credible witness -
Henry M. Waite a Judge of the Su- perior Court of Conn.
Hon. Mr. Henry M. Waite also received here at all times for the three years last past been a Judge of the Superior Court of Errors in Connecticut
Samuel W. Chapman N. E.
29. Dec 1837

Hon. S. Ingham A.R.

I hereby certify that Henry M. Wait before whom the deposition of Morrison P. Wait was taken is a judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut - That Ludowich Rice before whom the foregoing depositions of Lucas Ely & Abner S. Ely were taken is a Justice of the Peace for the County of New Britain - That John Holmes before whom the deposition of Judson Ely was taken is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlebury - That their signatures to the certificates of said depositions are in their own hand-writing and that they generally held the aforesaid offices at the time of making such certificates -
Samuel H. Brewster M.P.
Washington 29th Dec 1887

Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut August 24th 1837
I certify that the name of Abner Ely appears on a pay roll in this office, and he is credited for service as a sergeant from May 2th, to December 19th, a period of seven months and eleven days, said roll is headed as follows to wit, "The Pay Roll of the 3th Company of the 6th Regiment raised pr order General Sperm-bly Colony Connecticut May 2th 1777".
Wm Field Comptroller

I James Greenfield of Lyme, in the County of Middlesex, and State of Connecticut, being now 85 years of age, do hereby depose and say, that in the month of March, 1775, I enlisted into Capt. Samuel Gold Company, and Col. Samuel H. Parsons Regiment, to go to Roxbury. Above Col. of said Company, was a Sergeant in the same company and I remained until it was discharged in December. The company marched first to New London, and afterwards to Roxbury. The men in the service remained there more than 9 months. The Col. was always called Colonel by after the War, and I suppose from that fact that he was afterwards promoted. But when and where he received the appointment I am not able to state. James Greenfield
State of Connecticut New London County ss. On this day personally appeared James Greenfield who being first sworn, deposes and says that the foregoing deposition is true to the best of his knowledge. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 2nd day of October, 1837.
Personally appeared James Greenfield the subscriber of the foregoing deposition and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said James Greenfield is personally known to me and is a credible witness.
Henry M. Waite a judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut

I Abel Huestley of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut being now 87 years of age on oath depose and say that on the 9 th of September 1776 I was drafted into Capt. Abner Lord's Company of Lyme to go to the State of New York. We marched at first to New Haven and waited for the officers to join the Regiment and then to Fort Chester where we were employed in building a Fort. After the Fort was finished we went to the White Plains. When I was at New Haven and at Fort Chester I recollect often to have seen Abner Ely of said Lyme who was a soldier sergeant in one of the Companies that went on with us. I was not myself in the action at the White Plains on account of sickness but should think Mr. Ely was as I recollect to have heard that he was wounded in the thigh during the service and as he fell cried out to the men "Fight on my brave boys never mind me if I am wounded". These words were afterwards a by word among my comrades. The militia was drafted for 3 months and I do not know now that Mr. Ely did not stay out his time. He was discharged on the 12 th of December. I saw Mr. Ely at North Berth after the Battle.
At the time New London was burnt the militia were all called out from Lyme, and I went there with the rest. Mr. Ely was there also as I will recollect - for when we came out on our way home I had a trial of strength with him in lifting a stone. He wore out on this alarm three days. I cannot now say in what Company Mr. Ely was.
I knew Mr. Ely very well during the War & for a long time after and have heard of his enlistment into the Continental Army but can now state nothing definite in relation to it as I was not with him. To further the deponent's visit set
in presence of David Beckwith William Beebe
Abel his Huestley mark

State of Connecticut } New London County } ss June Sept 18 th 1837
Personally appeared Hall Hunt, the subscriber of the foregoing deposition and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Hall Hunt is personally known to me and that he is a credible person.
William Beebe justice of the Peace

Comptroller Office
Hartford Aug t 25 th 1837
I certify that Capt. Elisha Ely is charged on the pay table Books in this Office as follows, to wit, "Jan y 21 st 1777 To Order on Treasur r in favor of Capt. David Humphreys in part the £10 + premium to raise a company £500 - ." Also "May 20 th 1777. To Order on Treasur r in account this states Bounty £300 - ." He is further charged from June 12 th 1777 to Jan y 21 st 1783 sundry entries £174 - 14 s 5 d .
W m Field Comptroller

I William Turner of Gaybrook in the County of Middlebury and State of Connecticut being now 81 years of age on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Abner Ely formerly of Gaybrook and was knowing to his being appointed Captain of a Company in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. As I say afterwards Captain Ely was then Lieutenant and Abner Ely of Lyne was Ensign of the same Company. He was appointed to this office and raised his company according to the best of my recollection the first of the year 1777. I am not able to say in what Regiment the Company was but am very certain of its having been raised because Captain Ely & Captain Gay were both near neighbors and intimate friends of mine. Neither am I now able to state how long Abner Ely held his commission as Ensign.
William Turner
State of Connecticut } County of Middlebury } ss Gaybrook September 6 th 1832
Personally appeared William Turner the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said William Turner is personally known to me and that he is a credible witness.
Abner D. Phelps Notary Public.

I Daniel Ely of Lynd, in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut, being now 74 years of age, on oath depose and say that during the Revolutionary War, and for many years after I lived a near neighbor to Abner Ely, and was knowing to his absence at several different times during that War in the service of the United States. At the time the the Army was at the White Plains I should think he received a slight wound in his foot at the last place while engaged in a scouting party. I am not now able to say how long he was then in the service but am quite certain of his absence from home a long time. I recollect also of his being at home once or twice on a furlough during that campaign. Neither am I at the distance of time able to state in what capacity he served but am under the impression that he was either Ensign or Lieutenant. He was absent at an active many War and was gone from home very frequently in the service of the United States. I should think that in all he served a year and a half or two years.
I knew Capt. Ellis Ely of Lynd, Connecticut at the time of the War in whose company it is said Mr. Ely served and was knowing to his raising a company the first part of the year 1777 I should think. Capt. Ely moved from this state very soon after the War was ended.
After Mr. Ely returned from his last campaign, I should think some two or three years, he received a Captain's Commission from Gov. Trumbull as Captain of a Whole Regiment with six or seven  Company with fifteen men With this commission he cruised Long Island Sound and watched the smugglers and Long Island traders. At one time he took some property which was brought to his house and appraised. My father I recollect saw one of the appraisers. He made this his whole business when the ice did not prevent his sailing and although frequently at home never staid any not length of time. I lived on the shore of the River at the time and recollect his service perfectly well. According to my best recollection and belief he received his commission in the spring of 1780 and served under it in the summer.

Spring and fall until the end of the War
Before he received this Whale Boat  Deed  Deed , he was married to Bridget Brothman whose husband, one of the Smallest  Smallest at Pop- ping the first year of the War. I was not present at the Wedding but the matter was one of common notoriety and much talked of among the neighbors. She has now married again after the death of her second husband.
Callick Ely
State of Connecticut New London County
to wit Sept 29 th - 1837 -
Personally appeared Callick Ely the subscriber of the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Callick Ely is personally known to me and is a credible witness.
Thomas Will Justice of Peace

I Abner P. Ely of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut being of lawful age on oath depose and say that I am the son of Abner Ely formerly of said Lyme who as I have always understood from him was a soldier in the Continental Army and in one service held the commission of Ensign under Capt. Elisha Ely in Col. Doyles Regiment. There is now in the possession of one of my brothers a powder horn which he brought home from the service with him as I have always understood having on it the following inscription "This Horn belongs to Abner Ely an Ensign in Capt. Elisha Ely's Company in Col. Doyles Regiment May 24 th 1777". In speaking of his services in the War and telling of his different adventures I have heard him relate anecdotes of his last campaign particularly. He was stationed as I understood from him a part of the time at or near West Point and was often employed in taking cattle & horses from the Tories. He was also as I have understood at Roxbury when the War commenced and attended upon my mother's first husband who was there in a Redoubt soon after the service commenced. When he was in Capt. Ely's Company he said that he had a Lieutenant's commission offered him to go to the Northward but on account of the sickness he was compelled to come home.
I have had in my possession until very lately a Captain's Commission of my father's which he received from Governor Trumbull some time in the spring of 1781 as I think by which he was entitled to the command of a Row Galley in Long Island Sound, but which on account of its being considered of no importance has been lost. He was to cruise the Sound and prevent all communication of "Commerce or Council" with the enemy then in possession of Long Island. I have heard him often read it but cannot now recollect precisely its date. I have heard him often speak of this service and in one time in particular he said he took some prisoners from on board a sloop in them  that which were first brought to his Rocks and then carried to Hartford. Under this commission he said that he had twelve men or fourteen men at his command as much as if he had been a Captain of the Militia off the shore. I knew two or three who had been with him and have often conversed with them on the subject. One of them Diophilus

Lord died within a year or two. This as I have always supposed was a Quaker Boat and employed in protecting the shore contiguous to Long Island Sound.
In the year 1780 when New London was burnt I have always heard from him that he was there. He has told me that he was, but in what capacity he served or in whose company he was I do not know. He was a very active man, and I should suppose from his character that he would not have staid at home on any such occasion. Of his having said that he was there I am very certain.
He died in the year 1805 and in the month of January. My mother has lived with me or very near me ever since and has not been married since. I know of no record of the marriage but make a record of the births of the children in his family. By this I find that his first children were twins and born on the 6 th of January 1780.
Of his service in the Revolution I have understood that he served until the end of the war, and was missing most of the time except when the war was over. He lived on the Bank of Connecticut River and within a few miles of its mouth, and could easily come and go from the Sound.
Abner S. Ely
State of Connecticut, New London County, ss. On Oct 2 d 1837
Personally appeared the above named Abner S. Ely the signor of the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Abner S. Ely is personally known to me as a that he is a respectable man and a credible witness.
Lothrop Bill Justice of Peace

I John Brockway of Lyme, in the County of Middlesex, and State of Connecticut, being now 78 years of age, on oath depose and say, that in the fall of the year 1780, I was hired by the mouth to Mr. Elijah Ely, of said Lyme and lived with him until the Spring following. During this time I was engaged a part of the time in building a Boat with six or eight oars the command of which was afterwards given to Abner Ely a brother of Elijah under a Captain's Commission from Governor Trumbull. With this boat he was in the habit of cruising Long Island Sound and watching the coast for smuggling - Long Island traders and stragglers from the enemy. I have now in my possession a Pocket Book taken by him in one of these excursions. Soon after the Boat was built I enlisted into a company of guards where I remained 8 months in 1781 and as many more in 1782. After I left said brother's service I do not recollect much of Mr. Ely's business in the Boat. I should think however he commenced his cruising about the time I enlisted into the Guard.
Mr. Ely had held an Enlisted Commission in the Army previous to this time - but where or when he served I am not now able to say.
Mr. Ely was married to Bridget Brockway sometime during the War and before the boat was built. I did not attend the wedding but it was a matter of common conversation among the neighbors - Mrs. Ely's first husband was the first man that died in the service from Lyme.
JOHN BROCKWAY

State of Connecticut } New London County } ss. On this day personally appeared Deacon John Bussey the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing deposition and before me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing deposition and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 29 th day of September 1837.
Lodowick Bill Justice of Peace

I Thomas Anderson of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut being now 86 years of age on oath depose and say that in February of 1779 I attended the wedding of Abner Dyer and Bridget Brockway. They were married at her father's and across a small river from where I lived which river I crossed on the Ice when going to the wedding. They lived but a very short distance from me after their marriage and I was very well acquainted with him until the time of his death in 1805. He had always lived a widow since his death.
I recollect of his being an officer in the Revolutionary Army and having an officer's uniform - Cap - Breeches & Coat. I have often seen him in his dress. The Cap had on it the name of the Regiment. It is that he was never in a regular or state line company From these circumstances I am well convinced that he was an officer in the Army but being then very young I cannot recollect the particulars of my service.
After his marriage he received a Captain's Commission from the Governor of the State to take charge of a Boat with 12 men called a Row Galley to cruise in Long Island Sound and guard the Coast. I recollect to have seen this boat come home from a cruise on one occasion and before they landed they fired a salute. He at that time wore a uniform - had a sword and pistols - and spurs, in fact I supposed at the time that he was a regular Captain of a Guard Boat and had all the powers of a militia officer. He was in this service I should think until the end of the war. He was a very active man in the war and was much engaged in the service. I have always heard him spoken of by those who knew him in the war as a brave officer.
Thomas Anderson

State of Connecticut New London County ss Sept 29 th 1837
Personally appeared Thomas Addison the subscriber of the foregoing deposition and before me made oath to the truth of the same. And I further certify that the said Thomas Addison is personally known to me and that he is a credible witness. —
Godowick Will Justice of Peace

V 2721
Bridget Ely's Application for a pension
 1. Served at Roxbury mo 7 " days 20  2. " at White Plains 3. -  3. Ensign in Capt. Dyer's Co. 8. 5  4. Capt. of New Galley 6. 21  5. Service at New Bedford - 3 
Maria 1779 Alice 1805
Allowance 10 mo. 11 d. day 57.83 " 8 " 5 En. 81.67 18.29 21 do. Capt. Rankin 14 - 3 do. pri. - - 66   $ 148.16  Closing 4 March 1837.
Wm. S. Ingham HR
166 16   182

I hereby certify that Henry M. Wait before whom the foregoing deposition of James Greenfield was taken is a true of the Superior Court of Connecticut - That Goddick Bile before whom the deposi- tions of Sallick Esq. Thomas Anderson - John Brachway & Abner S. Esq were taken is a justice of the Peace for the County of New London - That William Buck before whom the deposition of Wood H. Smith was taken is a justice of the Peace for the County of New London & That Jedediah Post before whom the deposition of Mr. Turner was taken is a justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex and that the signatures to the foregoing affidavit certificates are respectively in their handwriting. and that they were respectively hired said officers more than one year least past. Washington Oct d 6. th. 1837. Samuel G. Brown
Washington Oct r 6. th. 1837.
Samuel Ingham Mr. E
1. 1850-1855 2. 1855-1860 3. 1860-1865 4. 1865-1870 5. 1870-1875 6. 1875-1880 7. 1880-1885 8. 1885-1890 9. 1890-1895 10. 1895-1900 11. 1900-1905 12. 1905-1910 13. 1910-1915 14. 1915-1920 15. 1920-1925 16. 1925-1930 17. 1930-1935 18. 1935-1940 19. 1940-1945 20. 1945-1950 21. 1950-1955 22. 1955-1960 23. 1960-1965 24. 1965-1970 25. 1970-1975 26. 1975-1980 27. 1980-1985 28. 1985-1990 29. 1990-1995 30. 1995-2000 31. 2000-2005 32. 2005-2010 33. 2010-2015 34. 2015-2020 35. 2020-2025

Jan 29 In cab
5
Noi'le
J. L. Edwards
Comm of pension
h h
Mr. S. Ingham H.R.

Hon'ble J. L. Edwards H. R. —
report to the Hon. S. Ingham H. R.

Lyme Conn. Feb. 12 th 1838
Sir,
Yours of the 3 rd inst. to Mr. Ingham in relation to the claim of Bridget Ely was by him forwarded to me for the information required.
Herewith I send you the deposition of Mrs. Ely explaining the family record from which it will be seen that the children were named after her own family connections and those of her first husband and that the given names only in most instances were recorded.
We have not been able to find any further proof in relation to the service in the Rev War. We have furnished if I recollect right the deposition of Simon Ely who was with him and cruise of other ships and who stands directly to the fact of his service at several other times - also that of Dea. John Brockway who helped to build the boat in the winter of 1780-1 - of Hon. Ebenezer Brockway who was well acquainted with him at the time and who recollects the fact of his service and some circumstances connected with it - of Abner S. Ely a son of the claimant who has had in his possession the original commission from the Governor to his father - of Collich Ely who testified to the service generally - and of Dorcas Ely a daughter of the first husband who lived at the time near his house and a part of the time with him who also testified to the service generally. There are others of his

old acquaintances who could testify to the same facts but in no way more particularly than those whose dep- ositions we have forwarded. Nothing can be found in either of the Executive offices in relation to the Service. The records of the Governor's Council from Feb. to April 1781 (the time when as we suppose he received his Commission) are not to be found and there is nothing else that we are aware of from which documentary proof can be obtained. We think however that if nothing else can be found the the evidence is direct as to three weeks service and as we hope sufficient to entitle the old lady to a pension for that length of time at any rate.
Very Truly M c H.
Morrison R. Wait
John S. Edwards

Sir
I send you the herewith the proof will be found sufficient -
Your ob. Servt.
Sam l Dyson
Trinity
H. S. Richards
29. Dec r . 1857.

Lyme December 27 th 1837.
Dear Sir,
Herewith I send you such additional testimony as we have been able to obtain in the case of Mrs. Bridget Ely. This evidence with that which was forwarded before is all that we are able to find, and upon this we must submit the case hoping that you will consider it sufficient to allow her the amount for which she presents her claim. You will perceive from the testimony of her daughter Mrs. Doreas Ely and the family record of births that the marriage must have been previous to the services in the New-England at New London. There are many of his former neighbors who recollect of his being in the service during the War, but we have not taken their depositions because they could state nothing more definite than what we have already obtained.
I am very Respectfully
Your obed t Serv t
Morrison P. Wait
Hon. Samuel P. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions -

Syme Conn. July 21-1838
Sir,
Copies of the 5 th inst. to Mr. Leigham relating to the claim of Mrs. Ely for a pension, was by him forwarded to me, and I was glad to hear from it, that the services of her husband as Sergeant & Ensign were fully proved.
Herewith I send you such other testimony as I have been able to find in relation to the marriage; and I flatter myself that this, together with what was forwarded before, will be sufficient to establish that fact. The two last depositions are those of the Hon. Ebenezer Prosser and Master Solomon Ely, who testify that the marriage took place previous to the services of Mr. Ely in the New Gallery & at New London, and who are among the most respectable men of our town.
In relation to the service in the New Gallery, I have written to the Comptroller, for evidence, if any is to be found, in his office at Hartford, but, as I have not heard from him, I suppose that the records furnish nothing which has a bearing upon the subject. I was at the office in the month of September, and examined what records then were, but could find nothing. The Commission, as we suppose, was given by the Governor & his Council, and the records of their doings were in a loose & imperfect state and the names of the officers commission ed were not in every case entered on their minutes. We have I believe furnished the best evidence we are able to on that point, viz: the deposition of Gideon Ely who was with

him in the best a part of the time, and that of Deacon John Beckman who assisted in building the book, and that of Abner Sheldon Esq. who has had in possession until lately the Commission under which he acted.
I am Very Respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Morrison P. Waite
Rev James L. Edwards Conw- of Pradia

Hon. S. Ingham RR

I Ebenezer Brockway of Lyme in the County of New London State of Connecticut being now 75 yrs. of age on oath depose and say that for many years I was a near neighbor and acquaintance of Abner Ely formerly of Lyme dec d . During the Revolutionary War Mr. Ely was as I understood at the time in the service of the Uni- ted States and in the year 1780 or 1781 as I now think he had com- mand of a Row Galley in Long Island Sound. On one of his cru- ises as Captain of this Galley I recollect to have heard it said that he made an attack upon some of the British who were in pur- suit of a party of our men and was very much applauded for his conduct on that occasion. Previous to this time he had been mar- ried to Bridget Brockway with whom he lived until his death and by whom he had a large family of children. Mrs. Ely is now a neigh- bor of mine and has never been married since his death. The precise date of the marriage I cannot now recollect but of the fact of his having been married and married before his service in the Row Ga- lley and before the burning of New London I am quite certain. It was a circumstance of common notoriety at the time and much talked of among his neighbors — Ebenezer Brockway I have to subscribe this 15 th day of Jan y 1838 Before me. I have known him to be a Just of Peace
I Walter Selden of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut being now 68 yrs. of age on oath depose and say that until the time of his death I was a neighbor of Abner Ely for- merly of Lyme dec d . Before the termination of the Revolutionary War and before New London was burnt he was married to Bridget Brockway. I was not myself present at the marriage and cannot state the precise time when it took place; but that it was before his ar- rival on board of the Row Galley and before which he had been mar-

timed to me and before the burning of New London in 1781 I am very certain. They, along after that, lived together as man & wife until the death of Mary and had a large family of children. I have to & subscribed
This 15 th day of July 1838 Before me
Erastus Selden
Notary Public Justice of Peace
I Abner Sheldon Esq of Lyme in the County of New Lon- don and State of Connecticut on oath depose and say that I am now 48 yrs. of age and that I am the same person with Sheldon Esq mentioned in the family record of my father and ha- ving forwarded to the Pension Office. I was always called Sheldon Esq which accounts for the entering of my name in that way.
The other children of the family viz: Brant, Asahel & Erastus are all dead and I am now the oldest in this vicinity. And the one next older than myself has removed to the State of Mich- igan.
Abner S. Ely
I have to & subscribed
This 15 th day of July 1838.
Before me
Notary Public Justice of Peace
I further certify that the above named Ebenezer Brockway Erastus Selden & Abner Sheldon Esq are personally known to me and that they are among the most respectable inhabitants of the Town of Lyme. Ebenezer Brockway has formerly been a member of the State Sen- ate, and they are all entire witnesses of the greatest credibility.
Notary Public Justice of Peace

I certify that Goddard Bice, before whom the foregoing Repre- sentations of Ebenezer Brockway, Erastus Sedgwick, and S. May, Esq., was a Justice of the Peace for the County of New London - That the signatures to the several certificates are in his own hand writing & that he held said office at the date of said certificates.
S amuel D. Hughes M.C. Washington Jan 26 - 1838 -
I am well acquainted with Honble. Ebenezer Brockway - Erastus Sedgwick & S. May Esq. to whom herein reference is made, and I know them all to be gentlemen of the first respectability. Jan 26. 1838.
S amuel D. Hughes M.C.

July 20 th 1857
Rel: to case of Bridget Ely wid: Esther
James Phelps
Essex Conn.

Essex Conn. July 15 th 1851-
Hon. James E. Heath? Com r . of Pensions
Dear Sir
Taken out Here with enclosed I forward the several applications of James Perkins, Minerva Pratt, David Andrews, Cicero Hayden, & Asahel Tripp for Bounty Land. Andrews, Hayden, & Tripp, served as members of a detachment, which was not a part of any Regiment - hence the reason why no Regiment is named in their applications -
I had the honor to communicate with you some weeks since in reference to the case of a former Pension granted to Bridget Ely late of Lyme, Conn., widow of Abner Ely, an Officer in the Army of the U.S. in the revolution - It is claimed, & the heirs of Mrs Ely have been so informed by a Pension Agent, or Solicitor at Washington by the name of Pugh! one of the firm of D.L. & S.A. Pugh, who says he has examined into the matter, that a mistake was made in the amount of the pension paid, and that it should have been $80. a year more - She drew $148.16 per annum under the Act approved July 4. 1836. & her husband Abner Ely served for more than one year in the manner prescribed in the Act of June 7 th 1832 - I think he was an Ensign, under Capt Elisha Ely, & that the Regiment was commanded by Col Douglas -
He also served as Sergeant under Capt Gale in the 8 th Co., 6 th Reg t Conn Militia from May 8. to Dec r 19. 1775, a period of 7 months & 11 days. & was, in addition, for some time Master of a whale boat, & cruised in Long Island Sound in the service of the Government - The Widow Bridget Ely was placed on the Pension Roll Feb y 28 th 1838 & drew $1036.31. & died the 2 d of March 1838 - leaving issue by her said husband Abner Ely, who still survives -
I have as yet heard nothing from my other communication & would be pleased to know whether it was received & also whether the Rolls or other Documents show such an error as is represented - A reply as early as is consistent with your convenience will much oblige
Yours Very Respectfully
James Phelps
P.S. When the Warrants in the above cases are issued, please send them to Essex, Conn. either to my address or to my care - J. Phelps
The above 5 cases rec d July 22 1851